7 Pressure Washer Safety Tips for Your Next Job
Published:
1/16/2019
Pressure washers are immensely helpful, but just like any other power tool they can be dangerous if handled carelessly.
Many of Hotsy’s pressure washers can deliver powerful jets of water at pressures upwards of 3000 PSI. Find yourself on the wrong side of that jet, and you can inflict some serious bodily harm. Likewise, it never hurts to brush up on the fundamentals of pressure washer safety.
Here are a 7 essential pressure washing safety tips to keep in mind for your next cleaning project!
1. read the pressure washer's manual
There’s a reason why every pressure washer we sell comes with a safety manual: it’s required reading for anyone who wants to seriously use the equipment.
That’s safety tip no. 1: make sure you read the manual from front to back, as it’ll provide you with vital information about the washer you’re about to use.
2. wear the proper pressure washing safety gear
We cannot stress this enough: your pressure washer is a strong machine and can be harmful to your body or someone else if not kept under control. Equip yourself with the appropriate safety gear:
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Closed-toe shoes (preferably ones with rubber soles to provide insulation)
- Long sleeves and pants
Hearing protection is a must around a gas-powered pressure washer, as well.
3. create a safe environment
Once the washer starts going, you’ll want to be extremely careful about how you maneuver the machine. Any sudden distraction or misstep can lead to an uncontrollable situation and lead to a serious accident.
So, before you turn it on, inspect your worksite for cracks in the ground, slippery surfaces, or any other physical obstacle you should be aware of when pressure washing.
4. test it out first
With any new equipment, you should try the pressure washer out first on a small sample area. This will allow you to see if there are any issues early on and get used to the washer’s feel before you take on a larger job.
5. remember gun safety
A pressure washer wand and spray gun are the parts of the washer that you need to become acquainted with before using.
It would be helpful to keep basic rules of gun safety in mind when operating a pressure washer. Keep the nozzle pointed down at the ground when not in operation, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to use it and never point the wand at yourself or another person.
6. be conscious of the type of pressure washer
Different types of pressure washers have their own special safety considerations.
Gas-powered pressure washers should always be used in well-ventilated areas.
Electric pressure washers, on the other hand, should be plugged into properly grounded GFCI outlets and elevated to prevent water damage to sensitive components.
7. start low and move slow
Start cleaning at a low pressure setting and work your way up as needed. Begin cleaning a flat surface to get a feel for the pressure and prevent any unexpected spray back. Take your time and stay mindful of people and other objects around the surfaces you’re cleaning.
Our top priority is making sure our clients are safe on the job and we ensure that by providing you with high-quality hot-water and cold-water pressure washers, with fast, responsive on-site service by our team of experts at North Texas Sales and Distribution. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today—we’re always happy to help!
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